New DNA test uses tiny crystals called quantum dots

[Posted: August 25, 2009]
(Nanowerk News) Using tiny crystals called quantum dots, Johns Hopkins researchers have developed a highly sensitive test to look for DNA attachments that often are early warning signs of cancer. This test, which detects both the presence and the quantity of certain DNA changes, could alert people who are at risk of developing the disease and could tell doctors how well a particular cancer treatment is working.

The new test was reported in a paper called “MS-qFRET: a quantum dot-based method for analysis of DNA methylation,” published in the August issue of the journal Genome Research. The work also was presented at a conference of the American Association of Cancer Research.

The recent study, which included the detection of DNA markers in the sputum from lung cancer patients, was designed to show that the technology was sound. Compared to current methods, the test appeared to be more sensitive and delivered results more quickly, the researchers said. “The technique looks terrific, but it still needs to be tested in many real-world scenarios,” Baylin said. “Some of these studies are already under way here. If we continue to see exciting progress, this testing method could easily be in wide use within the next five years.” Read more...